Offshore Oil and Gas Drilling Opposition
Thousands of activists gathered in Sacramento on February 8th to tell the administration that offshore drilling and the oil spills, pipelines and climate chaos that come with it are not welcome off our coast. Here's a full report of the day.
Earlier in the week, Surfrider Foundation chapters partnered with dozens of other groups to organize coastal protests in San Diego, Laguna Beach, Los Angeles, Ventura, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Cruz. The rallies were timed in advance of the February 8th public meeting in Sacramento and designed to spotlight the voice of Californians unable to travel to the state capital for the agency hosted listening session. Check out photos from rallies across the state.
Since the Trump administration recently announced disastrous plans to hand over all of America’s oceans - including the Pacific - to oil companies so they can expand offshore drilling off the California coast for the first time in over 30 years, the opposition has been widespread. The Coastal Commission issued a formal letter of opposition that was approved at the February hearing. Here's what the Coastal Commission had to say.
Surfrider Activists in DC
Meaningful words from our CEO about the impact Surfrider's volunteers have not only on decisionmakers, but on our staff as well. THANK YOU to everyone who takes part in protecting our beloved coasts and ocean!
"...It is inspiring to be working along side so many great Surfrider volunteers from around the country that took time out of their busy lives to fly out to DC, study up on federal laws, and run around Congress to talk to their Reps about important coastal and ocean issues.
We have an impressive network of smart, knowledgeable, and committed coastal advocates. During a time when it's easy to feel jaded and frustrated, it's very motivating to be working side by side with folks determined to make a difference.
81 volunteers, 32 chapters and clubs, 18 states represented from HI to ME and 108 meetings! Thanks all for a job very well done. " - Surfrider CEO, Dr. Chad Nelsen. #DefendOurCoasts
#DrillingIsKilling
Coastal Commission // February Report
This month, the Coastal Commission met in Cambria, where Commissioners voted on several important items including: a moderate cost hotel in Cayucos; the first comprehensive LUP update since the 2015 Sea Level Rise Guidance document was adopted for the City of San Clemente; and approval of a letter of opposition to the recently released 2019-2024 Draft Proposed National Oil and Gas Leasing Program. Read the full meeting report here.